NZ Disability Rights

12/09/2025

Sharing The D List NZ’s interview with advocate Allyson Hamblett who received the King’s Service Medal this year for services to disabled people and the trans community.

07/09/2025

"The language in our laws shapes what we consider 'normal' or 'reasonable'—and that has real consequences for disabled people". - Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker shared her views on Access to Justice in this recent webinar.

05/09/2025

05/09/2025

"Tāngata whaikaha Māori and all disabled people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, with their mana upheld. We need a system that is transparent, flexible and puts people first." - Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker.

01/09/2025

'The Social Model of Disability - 40 years on: Reflecting on Progress and Challenges'

A free online seminar offered by the University of Melbourne tonight at 5pm (NZT).

Join the Melbourne Disability Institute and the University of Melbourne’s Diversity and Inclusion team for this public discussion on the social model of disability 40 years on.

The panel will reflect on the impact and evolution of the social model over the last 40 years. They will also grapple with what further evolution is needed - or whether it is time for a revolution and paradigm shift. Has the social model achieved what was intended or do we need to think about other ways of talking about the lived experience of disability?

Register to view:

Join the Melbourne Disability Institute and the University of Melbourne’s Diversity and Inclusion team for this engaging and thought-provoking pu...

19/08/2025

The draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026 - 2030 is now available for consultation. Your feedback is important and valuable so please consider sharing your view.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission will be looking at the draft in detail to identify any gaps.

19/08/2025

"Reform is well overdue." - Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission welcomes a Supreme Court decision setting out a rights-based approach for determining whether the detention of an autistic man is justified.

06/08/2025

05/08/2025

Advocates say the problem is extremely concerning and common but officials say there's enough support on offer.

05/08/2025

Meet The Creators | Kōrero for Change: Justice System

They’re not just sharing ideas — they’re reshaping the future of justice in Aotearoa.

✨ The Creators Panel brings together legal system changers, and advocates with deep lived and professional experience. These leaders are dismantling structural barriers, challenging ableism, and forging inclusive, rights-based pathways through the justice system. Whether through grassroots legal support, national policy, or institutional reform, they are creating real change from the ground up.

📅 Wednesday, 13 August 2025
⏰ 9 AM – 12 PM NZT
🌐 Live on Zoom
🤟 NZSL interpreters available

🔗 Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/3ILoPPh

🌟 Panellists:
🔹 Susan Martell – Legal Supervisor Associate, Aotearoa Disability Law
🔹 Prudence Walker – Disability Rights Commissioner, Human Rights Commission
🔹 Kate MacKay – Lawyer, Mental Health & Disability Law Committee, TLANZ
🔹 Paul Gibson QSO – Chair, NZ Disability Strategy Justice Working Group, Whaikaha



🎤 Moderator:
🔹 Caleb Simpkins – Lawyer, Simpkins Legal

⚖️ These are the voices shaping a justice system that listens, includes, and empowers. Let’s imagine a future where justice is not just accessible — it’s equitable, human-centred, and built on lived experience.

Brought to you by Access Matters with funding from Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, Spectrum Foundation, Foundation North, and J R McKenzie Trust.

05/08/2025

Navigating conversations about relationships, friendships, and sexuality with your family member can feel a little tricky - but you're not alone.

This August, our Parent Support Group welcomes Carolyn O’Neill from To Be Frank - Sexuality Education and Consultancy, who brings over 20 years of experience in the disability sector.

Together, we’ll explore how to support safe social connections and build confidence - at home, in the community, and beyond.

Carolyn will offer practical tips for:
- Having open and respectful conversations
- Supporting healthy friendships and relationships
- Creating space for safety and confidence to grow

This is a free, online Zoom event for families - a chance to share, ask questions, gain insights and connect in a safe, supportive space.

Registration is essential.

For more information, including how to register, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DhaybGyQH/

Image description: A young man and a young woman, both with Down syndrome, holding hands and smiling at each other. In the bottom right corner of this main photo is an image of Carolyn O'Neill smiling. She is wearing a checkered dress, and sitting on a green chair. Text above and below the main photo reads "Parent Support Group. Supporting relationships, friendships and sexuality. With expert Carolyn O’Neill. Wednesday 6 August, 6:00pm - 8:00pm."